May 10, 2023: HELP!

"... And the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord." (Judges 6:6, ESV)

"Cried out to the Lord!" Have you ever been there? Israel has sure been there. Throughout the book of Judges, we read the words, "and Israel cried out to the Lord." The basic meaning of the Hebrew word for 'cried out' is this: 'to cry for help in time of distress." It is a cry from a troubled heart. Most generally, it is directed toward God.
    
In chapter three of Judges, we find that God left some of Israel's enemies dwelling in the promised land. God did this to test Israel to see if they would follow His ways or adopt the gods of other nations. Sadly Israel did not always follow the practices of God but opened the doors to the gods of other nations. These open doors allowed Israel's enemies to wage war and obtain wins against God's people. When they became full of despair, they would call upon the name of the Lord for His help, and He would answer.
    
Parents are familiar with this cry. Often we are forced as parents to let our children make decisions for themselves. We know they know what is right, but will they choose what is right? It is the wrong choices that cause us so much pain in life. But God is willing to let us make wrong choices so that we might discover and know His goodness. After all, He said, "Call upon me, and I will answer."